Yeah, I wasn’t surprised I got the opposite of what I’d hoped for and got served a big pile of shit instead. Hope was a sorry son of a bitch. He didn’t like me.
“You smell like pot and cheap perfume.” She frowned as she looked me over. Being on the receiving end of her attention was like being doused in ice water. A total buzz kill. “Do you know what time it is?”
“It’s three fucking a.m.,” I snapped, pissed that she’d ruined my high by giving me the business.
“We have an agreement.” Her thin brows drew together beneath a tangle of messy hair that was the same mixture of dark and light brown as my own.
“You talked. I don’t remember agreeing to anything.”
“You get in trouble again,” she said, her coppery eyes glistened in irritation, “you’re going to end up right back in jail.”
“Not going back there.” I’d fucking die first.
“Where were you?” she asked, her delicate features pinched.
“You know where I was.” I pulled the bandanna from my head and stuffed it into my pocket.
I was a disappointment. I’d always be that to her. But what I didn’t do was lie to her. The piece of shit married to someone else who knocked her up with me had done plenty of that.
“Kyle’s not a good influence.”
“He isn’t an influence at all.” I used him like I used everyone to meet my goals. After all, if I didn’t look out for myself, who the fuck would?
“Was Bryan with you?” she asked.
“No, we parted ways after the party at Dizzy’s house.”
“You should hang out more with Bryan. He’s a good son. Respects his mom, loves his sisters, and he’s loyal to you.” My mother twisted her hands so tightly around the TV remote that her fingers blanched.
Her dispensing unwanted advice was both unexpected and uncomfortable. I could count on one hand the number of times she’d pretended to give a shit about me.
“I respect you,” I bit out.
“Right, sure,” she said, rolling her eyes.
Fuck it. I frowned. “Bry’s not the saint you think he is.”
It was on the tip of my tongue to tell her it had been Bryan’s idea to hotwire my old man’s car, and him who had crashed it, but I bit back that bitter truth. I wasn’t a pathetic little boy desperate for his mommy’s approval.
“Sorry to be such a burden to you.” My lips pulled back from my teeth.
“Warren, let’s start over . . .”
I was done doing this bullshit dance with her. I’d been done a long time ago. Her keeping my old man’s identity a secret from me after I’d begged for a name had been the last straw. She worked hard, and I respected her for that. But I didn’t let her anywhere near my black and unsalvageable heart anymore.
“You do your thing, Mother, and I’ll do mine,” I said, bitterness creeping into my voice. “After graduation, I’m gone.”
It would only be a year and a handful of months.
Sooner, if the band hit it big.
Lace
The morning after the party, I didn’t see Bryan or War when I arrived at school. Must not have made much of an impression on either one. After a sleepless night, and a reminder from Uncle Bruce about being an unwanted burden, I was in a pretty bad mood, so it was better that I didn’t see them.
After a quick stop at my locker, I hurried down the hall with the masses. I filed into Mr. Schubert’s classroom with the other students as the first bell rang, but found my path to an empty seat in the back row blocked by Randy.
“Step aside, please.” I ground out the words.
Stepping closer, he said firmly, “Go out with me.”
“No.” Annoyed, I glared up at him. “I made myself clear on that matter yesterday.”
His lips curled into a sneer. “Things are different today.”
“Different how?”
“Today I know your standards are appallingly low.”
“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Angry, I tightened my grip on my backpack straps.
“Warren Jinkins is what I mean. He’s a loser and an asshole. Don’t you get that?”
“He’s not a loser.” I cranked up my chin. “Unless by loser, you mean he’s not a spoiled, entitled prick like you.”
“Burn!” came from our classmates, along with some hisses.
How wonderful—insert sarcasm. Everyone is watching.
“Warren is the prick,” Randy said, still hammering at me. “Acting all into you at your house, then having Missy Rivera suck his dick afterward.”